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Duterte sees nothing wrong with cops accepting ‘gifts’ given out of gratitude, generosity
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the 118th Police Service Anniversary at Camp Brigadier General Rafael T. Crame in Quezon City on August 9, 2019.
YANCY LIM/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
For President Rodrigo Duterte, it is not wrong for policemen to accept “gifts” given by people who are generous or grateful for their service.
In his speech during the 118th Police Service anniversary celebration in Quezon City on Friday, August 9, the Chief Executive argued that receiving gifts out of gratitude and generosity does not mean that they are violating the law.
“Hindi ko kayo iipitin. Well, basta kung bigyan kayo, eh tanggapin ninyo (I won’t sanction you. Well, if they give you something, then you should accept it). It is not bribery because — it cannot be bribery because it is allowed by law. What I mean if there is generosity in them, sabi ng anti-graft (because the anti-graft law said) you cannot accept gifts. Kalokohan ‘yan (That’s crazy),” he said.
“If you are able to solve a crime and the family would like to be generous to you or would nurture a feeling of gratitude for what you accomplish, then by all means, accept it,” he added.
But Section 7 of Republic Act (RA) No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, states that “public officials and employees shall not solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan or anything of monetary value from any person in the course of their official duties or in connection with any operation being regulated by, or any transaction which may be affected by the functions of their office.”
In the same speech, the President also said he sees no problem with the police officers earning money from “video-karera (horse racing video game)” machines as long as they do not let their greed take over them.
“Basta wala lang lokohan (Just do not be a fool). If you are just content of maybe you want 50,000 and you are able to get something like 25 or 20, be content.
Be — do not allow your greed to run away with all the — alam mo na, kalokohan. ‘Yan lang akin (you know, foolishness. That is my take),” Duterte stressed.
Duterte also reminded the police officers to keep their integrity intact as they perform their jobs.
“Take inspiration from our awardees today for their exemplary work and selfless dedication to duty,” he said.
“Now, more than ever, we need to rebuild and sustain the confidence of the Filipino people in our police force,” he continued.
